With the coronavirus surging again, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Council President Nury Martinez announced Tuesday evening that all city employees will be required to show proof of Covid vaccination or weekly negative Covid tests.

The announcement came one day after City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas said he plans to introduce a motion Wednesday to require vaccinations for city employees.

“The fourth wave is here, and the choice for Angelenos couldn’t be clearer — get vaccinated or get Covid-19,” Garcetti said Tuesday. “This urgent need means that if you’re a city employee, we’re now going to require you to either show that you’re vaccinated or take a weekly test.”

The policy, similar to the state’s policy, falls short of a vaccine mandate, offering employees the option of undergoing regular Covid testing instead of providing proof of vaccination. However, Garcetti said he and Martinez are “committed to pursuing a full vaccine mandate.” Garcetti says he expects to have vaccination verifications from city department managers by August 15.

The policy, similar to the state’s policy, falls short of a vaccine mandate, offering employees the option of undergoing regular Covid testing instead of providing proof of vaccination. However, Garcetti said he and Martinez are “committed to pursuing a full vaccine mandate.” Garcetti says he expects to have vaccination verifications from city department managers by August 15.